When it comes to immigration, small details make a big difference. The information you provide on your intake form is used to prepare the applications we file with the U.S. government and any inconsistency or formatting error can cause confusion or delay.
Even something that seems simple, like the way you write your name, date of birth, or address, matters. Here are some of the most common areas where people trip up:
1. Name Format
You may go by a nickname or a shorter version of your name, but your intake form must reflect your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport. For example, if your passport lists “Ana María López Pérez,” we must use that full version. We cannot use “Ana Lopez”, even if that’s what you use day-to-day.
2. Date of Birth
In the U.S., dates are written as mm/dd/yyyy, but in many other countries, the format is dd/mm/yyyy. Accidentally reversing this can cause significant issues on immigration filings, as it changes your actual date of birth. Always double-check that your date is entered in the U.S. format.
3. Document Numbers
Whether it’s your passport number, I-94 number, or visa number, make sure you’re entering the correct identifier. For example, U.S. visas contain multiple numbers, but only the red “Visa Number” in the right corner is used for immigration purposes.
4. Address Format
U.S. address formatting may differ from international standards. Ensure that your street address, city, state, and postal code are entered clearly and consistently. This affects not only where immigration notices are mailed, but where letters from our legal team are mailed as well.
5. Travel and Employment History
Accuracy in dates, employer names, and locations is key. Even small discrepancies can prompt requests for clarification from USCIS or the Department of State.
Our legal team uses your intake forms to populate every immigration document we prepare. Ensuring this information is accurate, consistent, and properly formatted helps us file correctly the first time, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary delays.
If you’re a current client, you can easily log into our client portal to update your information, upload new documents, or contact your case manager for help.
Double-checking these details now ensures your case moves forward smoothly, and keeps your filings in perfect sync with the U.S. government’s records.
